Salisbury, Md.- In its first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2023 season, Denison fell to No. 5 Salisbury University 5-0 in the opening round of the tournament. The Big Red wraps its 2025 campaign with an overall record of 12-7, and an 8-1 conference record, earning them a piece of the North Coast Athletic Conference regular season title. Denison made its 16th NCAA appearance after defeating conference rival Ohio Wesleyan 2-1 in overtime in the NCAC tournament earning the automatic bid.

The Big Red came out with energy, ready to take on No. 5 Salisbury, holding them to just three shots and three corners across the first quarter. Sophomore goalkeeper Therese Lucian finished the quarter with three saves, keeping the game scoreless heading into the second quarter. 

The Seagulls would finally break down the Big Red defense with four minutes left to play in the second quarter, scoring its first goal of the afternoon off a penalty corner, followed by its second goal off a scramble in front of the cage after a failed clear attempt.

Denison would hold Salisbury to those two goals, up until the final second of the third quarter, when the Seagulls' Caroline Pusey shot what looked like a cross straight into the back of the Big Red's cage. Despite being down by three, the Big Red kept battling, fending off five shots and three corner attempts before the Seagulls extended their lead to five, ultimately putting away the game in the final seconds of regulation. 
 

Game Notes:

• Big Red's Goalkeeper Therese Lucian finished with a season high 12 saves and a save percentage of 71 percent.

• Denison was out shot 24-4 and Salisbury held a 19-5 edge in penalty corner attempts